Apparatus for reworking wheels on a rail vehicle

ABSTRACT

A rail vehicle is supported so that its wheels have freedom to rotate, and thereupon the wheels are engaged and supported. The wheel flanges of the wheels are turned until they are centrical and cylindrical. The diameter of the thus turned wheel flanges is measured and the desired new circumferential configuration of the wheel rims is determined as a function of measurement taken with reference to the axis of rotation of the wheels and with reference to the diameter of the wheel flanges. Thereupon the wheel flanges are turned to the thus determined new circumferential configuration.

United States Patent Dombrowski 51 June 6, 1972 54] APPARATUS FOR REWORKING 3,347,117 l0/l967 Luzina et a1. ..s2/s WHEELS ()N A RAIL VEHICLE 2,632,956 3/1953 Crosby ..82/l4.4 X [72] Inventor: Theodor Dombrowskl, Erkelenz, Germany FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS [73] Assignee: Wilhelm Hegenscheidt Kommandit- 1, l4 l ,l 56 I0} I959 Germany ..82/4 E gesellschaft, Erkelenz, Germany Primary Examiner-Donald R. Schran [22] Flled' Attorney-Michael S. Striker [2 l] Appl. No.: 885,398

{57} ABSTRACT [30] Foreign Application Priority Data A rail vehicle is supported so that its wheels have freedom to rotate, and thereupon the wheels are engaged and supported. 1968 Germany l5 The wheel flanges of the wheels are turned until they are cen- 52] U 8 Cl 82/8 trical and cylindrical. The diameter of the thus turned wheel [51] 5/28 flanges is measured and the desired new circumferential con- 58] i E MD 8 figuration of the wheel rims is determined as a function of measurement taken with reference to the axis of rotation of the wheels and with reference to the diameter of the wheel [56] Reierences cued flanges. Thereupon the wheel flanges are turned to the thus UNITED STATES PATENTS determined new circumferential configuration. 3,345,89 I 10/1967 Dombrowski ..82/8 9 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures 18 w I I 4 "*W 1 1 i III B D as 17 2 in; 1 1

PAIENTEUJUH s we sum [IF INVENTOR PATENTEDJUH 51912 SHEEI 3 BF 7 NTOR PATENTEDJun 6 I972 SHEET k [If 7 INVENTOR IWfflr PAIENTEDM sum? 3.667.322]

sum 50F r PATENTEDJUH 6 m2 3. 667. 329

sum 6 or 7 INVENTOR PATENTEnJuu 6 I972 3. 667, 329 sum 7 or 7 INVENTOR TH nun rnun :1" r

APPARATUS FOR REWORKING WHEELS ON A RAIL VEHICLE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to the reworking of wheels on a rail vehicle, and more particularly to an apparatus for reworking worn wheel rims of wheels on a rail vehicle. Still more specifically the invention relates to reworking which is carried out with the wheels on the vehicle.

It is already known to provide apparatus for reworking worn wheel rims on the wheels of rail vehicles, which permits the reworking without requiring the removal of the wheels from the vehicle. This apparatus is considerably more economical than the heretofore conventional approach which required that the wheels be removed from the vehicle. However, the problem with this improved type of apparatus is the fact that it is impossible to measure the profile of the vehicles. While it is possible to measure the circumference of the vehicle rims this is not an adequate criterion for setting of the cutting steels with which subsequent reworkingthat is turningis effected, and which setting must be determined in advance in order to obtain a fully cut profile.

The type of apparatus capable of providing for reworking of the rail wheels while the same are on the rail vehicle may be two-fold, that is there are two basic different types. One of these provides for centering of the wheels on dead centers or in axle bearings, and the other type does not utilize centers and the wheels with their flanges still being worked are supported on drive rollers with their circumferential surfaces uncentered.

The centrically adjusted wheels obtain, when turned, centrically turned circumferential surfaces. Those adjusted by means of dead centers further make possible a proper setting of the tools, the prerequisite for this being that devices are provided for aligning the centers with respect to their height, because the centers are height adjustable. In all other types of wheel supports the setting of the tools is problematical because it is not possible to take measurements for the starting position.

However, it is often possible only with considerable expenditure of time and energy to make the shah centers accessible because tachometers, lubricating pumps, generators or other devices are mounted on the shaft cover and must first be removed with an attendant time loss, or because steps, portions of the chassis or portions of drive components are so arranged that the axles are completely inaccessible for receiving the centers. This is one of the reasons why centering of the wheels in the axle supports, or the uncentered support of the wheels on their circumferential surfaces of the rims is preferred when the wheels are reworked without removing from the vehicle.

The wheel rims on the circumference of the wheel flange copy the accuracy of these aforementioned surfaces of rotation for those of the profile which is to be newly produced. Thus, the trueness of revolution is dependent exclusively upon the starting or initial profile.

ln establishing diameter measurements heretofore it has always been necessary to resort to the inaccurate circumferential measurement which includes out-of-true factors and all form errors whereby the measuring result is influenced by these. Usually, the worn wheels are eccentric and are measured too large by double this eccentricity. in addition there is the fact that the rolling surfaces are not round but, because of braking action and the like may be polygonal and that on the measuring surfaces rust, dirt or welds may be present which in turn disadvantageously influence the accuracy of measurement.

In order to obtain the largest possible rim diameter when wheels are reworked, that is to renew the wheel profile while removing as little material as possible, it is necessary to precisely measure the wheels in order to establish for the operator of the turning lathe the new rim diameter. Heretofore this measurement has been carried out only in form of the circumferential measurement mentioned above which alone is no criterion for the necessary adjustment of the cutter. Not only is the new rim diameter necessary for the profile renewal, but also the distance of the two profiles from one anotherthat is the profiles of the two wheels on the same axle-and from the middle plane of the set of two wheels. the gauge and its position with reference to the axle are important.

It is customary in the type of lathe used for reworking wheels without removing them from the rail vehicle to orient the profile of a set of wheels with reference to the inner side of the wheels. This does not take into account the distance of the two wheels from one another so that sets of wheels with smaller spacing receive a smaller gauge than sets of wheels with larger spacing. The gauge measurement is one of the most important wheels profile measurements but has considerably tighter tolerances than the so-called AR measurements, the measurements of the wheel spacing from the center between the wheels, so that when reworking is carrier out in accordance with what has been set forth above, the gauge measurements often cannot be maintained, particularly if one wheel has the proper lateral spacing from the center between the two wheels and only the otherwheel is shifted on the axle. ln this case the total deviation from the intended gauge measurement falls to only one of the wheels and the result may be that of the flange of this one wheel is weakened to an impermissible extent.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is, accordingly, an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for reworking worn wheel rims of wheels on a rail vehicle.

In accordance with one feature of the invention the rail which is supported so that its wheels have freedom to rotate, and the transversely spaced wheels which are also are mounted on a common axle are also engaged and supported. The wheel flanges are then turned until they are centrical and cylindrical and the diameter of the thus turned wheel flanges is thereupon measured. Now the desired new circumferential configuration of the wheel rims is determined as a function of measurement taken with reference to the axis of rotation of the wheels and with reference to the diameter of the wheel flanges, and the wheel flanges are then turned to the thus determined new circumferential configuration.

Thus, by providing a new diameter on the wheel flanges, that is by turning them until they have a new circumferential surface, the measurement taken on this surface guarantees that during the subsequent profile renewal the wheel will turn true-to-round in the uncentered wheel flange support, in accordance with the already mentioned factor that the new rotational diameter is copied by its support surface.

Furthermore, the present invention provides for an improved measurement of the wheel circumference and therefore for a more accurate diameter measurement because the surface on which measurements are taken is round and central, as well as being clean, free of grease and free of all faults. This newly turned surface also constitutes a proper measuring basis for measuring the worn spots of the vehicle rim and it permits an even distribution of deviation from the gauge dimension to both wheels as well as an adherence to the proper gauge dimension.

A further factor to be considered is the fact that rail vehicle speeds are being increased in accordance with modern requirements. This, in turn, requires a greater precision in manufacturing the components, particularly the drive components of such vehicles, and especially in the manufacture of the wheels. In turning machines of the type used for reworking rail vehicle wheels which have been demounted and removed from the vehicle, an extremely high accuracy of 0.3% diameter deviation of all wheels of an entire group of sets of wheels can be achieved without difficulty. However, heretofore such accuracy was not attainable on the type of machines used for turning the wheels when they are not removed from the vehicle. Heretofore the accuracy achieved under the circumstances could not be achieved in this manner, and on the other hand the accuracy achievable depends even more than on other types of machines on the accuracy with which measurements can be taken.

By initially turning the wheel flanges until they are centrical and cylindrical a basis for measurements is obtained which can be accurately measured because it is clean, round and central. Based upon this the dimensions necessary for profile renewal, particularly the depth of wear, can be accurately and readily measured. The accuracy of these measurements not only permits meeting of the accuracy requirements with reference to the reworking of the wheels, but also makes it possible to remove the smallest feasible quantity of material when the wheels are reworked. It is particularly advantageous if an apparatus according to the present invention comprises a separate measuring station which is arranged ahead of the actual reworking station because then the measuring of the nextfollowing set of wheels can be carried out while the preceding set is being reworked. This results in a considerable increase in the productivity of these machines. Multiple reworking of any set of wheels is reduced to the irreducible minimum.

The the present invention may of course be carried out at the reworking station itself, also. Devices for producing the measuring basis, that is turning machines, are already present so that only the necessary measuring devices need be supplied in order to obtain the advantages according to the present invention.

In accordance to the present invention two measuring sliders are provided which are shiftable parallel to the axle on which a set of wheels is mounted, and these are shifted by means of a diflerential gear in mutually opposite direction, being provided with abutments which abut against the inner side of the respective wheels. This arrangement makes it possible to obtain an advantageous and precise axial setting of both measuring supports on which the turning and measuring devices are mounted and in particular each measuring slider may be provided with an indicator which shifis against a stationary scale and there indicates deviations of the spacing of the inner sides of the two wheels (AR measurement) from the nominal center of the distance between the two wheels, and such deviations can be corrected if necessary.

Known measuring wheels for measuring the circumference are used as diameter measuring devices, and these are applied to the newly turned measuring surfaces on the wheel flanges and thus produce precise measurements because the measuring surface is round, centric and clean as well as free of form deviations.

According to the invention holders are provided either on the measuring supports or adjacent them, and are formed with guides in which sliders are shiftable which are in turn provided with abutment rollers. Feeler rollers are mounted on the sliders and are under spring biassed pressure, being deflectable with a scale being provided on the slider which indicates their deflection. This device provides for a measurement of the wear of the wheel rim from the measuring basis, that is from a basis whose diameter is known because of the previous measurement. It furthermore provides a measurement of the distance to the rolling surface nominal profile, so that the feeler directly indicates the radial depth of cut adjustment while the new wheel rim diameter for supports with positioning devices can be calculated.

On the transverse slider or table of the copying support of a below floor turning machine an abutment which is tiltable away is provided, together with a marker which are adjustable with reference to a diameter scale provided on the adjustable cam-carrier transverse slider or table. The diameter scale of each support is set to the exact diameter value of the turned measuring basis on the wheel flange and the measured value of the largest profile wear is readjusted on the basis of this scale so that the machine is immediately set for the new turning diameter.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a somewhat diagrammatic end-elevational view of an arrangement according to the present invention with certain components omitted as non-essential for an understand ing of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a section taken on the line [-1 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged detail view of FIG. 1 showing the measuring device;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged detail view of FIG. 1 showing the turning device;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged detail view of FIG. I showing the diameter-measuring device;

FIG. 6 is a section taken on the line VI-VI of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged detail view of a device for measuring the depth setting for the cutter; and

FIG. 8 is a side elevational fragmentary view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS It is first emphasized that in the drawings the actual rail vehicle, for instance a railroad car, has not been illustrated because it is not thought to be essential for an understanding of the invention. It is emphasized, however, that the present invention is concerned with the concept of reworking the wheels of the rail vehicle while the wheels are mounted on the vehicle itself, so that they need not be removed.

Keeping this in mind it will be seen that in FIG. 1 reference numeral I identifies a set of wheels consisting of an axle and two wheels mounted on the same axially spaced from one another. Reference numeral 2 identifies two rails extending lengthwise at opposite sides of a pit 3. The vehicle of which the set 1 has been illustrated in FIG. I, is moved on the rails 2 until it is above the pit 3 and is there lifted by hydraulic or other piston arrangements 4 which engage under the axle supports 5, until the wheel rims 6 of the two wheels are slightly spaced above the rails 2, for instance approximately 20 mm.

The wheels can be rotated by the friction rollers 7 which contact their rolling surface and which are mounted in rockers 8. These latter are tumable in the gear housing I0 about the axis of the tri-wheel 9 and are provided with gears 11 and I2 transmitting the drive to the friction rollers 7. At the other end the rockers are supported by the piston rods 13 on the surface 14, and the piston rods 13 are movable via pistons 15 in cylinders 16.

Arranged below and in parallelism with the axle of the set 1 is a measuring beam I7 which is secured to the inner sides of the rails 2 and provided both with the devices 18 for turning the wheel flanges and with the devices 19 for a diameter measurement and the devices 20 for measurement of the cutting depth. This is illustrated in FIG. I, and from FIG. 3 in particular it will be evident that at opposite sides of the measuring beam 17 there are arranged the measuring sliders 2I which can be moved in the guides 22 shown in FIG. 2. The transverse sliders 21 with the cutters 24 are arranged movable in the guides 22 and are adjusted via the transport spindle 25 and the hand wheels 26. Thus, the members 23 pass through the measuring beam 17.

Both of the members 21 are linked via the spindles 27 and 28 with one another, and of the spindles 27 and 28 one is provided with a right-hand thread and the other with a left-hand thread. In the housing 30 there is provided a nut 29 which connects both spindles and a bevel gear 31 is provided on the nut 29 and is shiftable via a tongue and groove arrangement on the nut 29. The bevel gear 31 is supported in the holder and connected with the hand wheel 32.

Consoles 33 are mounted on the measuring beam 17 via the joint 34 and can be moved by the compressed air cylinder 35. On the console 33 is mounted the housing 36 of the measuring device which can be applied with measuring wheel 37 to the measuring basis 38. A counter 41 is driven via the gears 39 and 40 and a pointer 42, which is clampable on the housing 36, points to the inner side of the wheels on which a marking 43 has been applied (see also HO. 6).

Also secured to the measuring beam 17 are the holders 44 of the measuring supports 45 in whose guides the members 46 slide on which the roller 47 is mounted, as well as the angled lever 48 which is under tension of the spring 49 and tumably journaled in the bolt 50. The lever 48 engages with one lever end the worn profile of the wheel, whereas the other lever end is configurated as a pointer or indicator 51 which moves with respect to a scale 52.

After the set of wheels and axle 1 has been brought in position above the measuring device and lifted by the hydraulic pistons 4, the measuring devices must be adjusted with reference to the set. To this end the nut 29 is turned via the bevel gear 31 and the hand wheel 32 and both of the members 21 are moved axially outwardly until first one abutment 91 contacts the associated inner wheel side. Continued turning of the hand wheel 32 now only causes movement of the other member 21 until its abutment 91 also contacts the associated inner wheel side. After the first abutment reaches its associated wheel not only the other member 21 continues to move towards the wheel which is associated with it, but also the housing 30 shifts in the same direction half the distance which is traversed by the other still moving member 21. When both abutments 91 abut against the respective inner wheel sides, the members 21 are properly positioned with reference to the wheels. Their spacing can be read off the scales 93.

When both abutments 91 are in contact with their respective wheels the abutments are turned through 90 out of engagement with the wheel, and the housing 30 is clamped by known non-illustrated means to the measuring means 17. The members 21 are now adjusted in their lateral position. By tuming of the nut 29 via the hand wheel 32 both measuring sup ports or members 21 are moved simultaneously and in the same sense, with the middle of their spacing always remaining at the same position.

Upon lateral adjustment of the measuring supports or members 21 by means of the abutments 91 the cutters 24 are adjusted by turning the hand wheels 32 and 26 until contact occurs with the wheel flanges. Now the members 21 are retracted by turning the hand wheel 32, and such retraction is towards the middle until they reach the abutments 53. Thereupon the transverse members 23 are adjusted for instance by 1 mm by turning of the hand wheel 26 and thereby a measuring surface of approximately l mm width is produced on the wheel flange. After the customary clamping of the supports by means of non-illustrated but very well known clamping arrangements, the wheel flange is manually turned by turning of the hand wheel 32.

This produces the measuring basis 38 shown in FIG. 5. This basis must now be measured which is accomplished in known manner by a measuring wheel 37 of 100 mm diameter which is applied to the measuring surface 38 and whose rotations during precisely one turn of the wheels of the set 1 can be measured and read off the counter 41. The numbers of this counter directly indicate the centimeters and fractions thereof. The measuring wheel 37 is moved into abutment with the measuring surface by means of the compressed air cylinder 35.

A marking 43 provided on the inner side of the wheels, for instance a chalk line, makes it possible to precisely adjust the beginning and the end of the measurement with reference to the indicator 42.

After the wheel 47 is moved into contact with the flange 95, the arm 45 of the lever 45/51 traces the surface 96 whereas the indicator of this arrn moves over the scale 52 and there indicates the necessary depth of material removed. The measured diameter values of the measuring basis are now entered in a record, and from these values are deducted on the one hand double the flange height (2 X 27 54 mm) les l mm each of material removed by milling equals 52 mm, and on the other hand the measured wear of the wheel rim rolling surface, that is double the depth of material removal. The result indicates the new diameter to which the wheel rim is to be turned.

These memurements can also be carried directly on a below-floor turning apparatus. In this case the separate tuming device for turning of the wheel flanges is not necessary because it is already a part of an under-floor turning device, and measuring of the measuring basis is also not required. As shown in FIG. 8, which is a side view of an under-floor turning apparatus, the set of wheels and associated axle is identified with reference numeral 60. The support and drive rollers are identified with reference numeral 61, the transverse slider 62 and the longitudinal slider 63. Mounted on the latter is both the cutter 64 and an abutment 65 with an abutment roller 66. The transverse slider 62 glides in guides of the member 67. At the opposite member 68 there is provided a guide 69 in which there slides a member 70 which carries the cam 71 and a scale 72, as well as an adjusting device by means of which via the hand wheel 73 and the threaded spindle 75 the member 70 can be adjusted. On the longitudinal slider 63 a feeler 77 is arranged in a guide 76 and is connected via the lever 78 with the cam 71.

The indicator 79 moves on the scale 72 and is connected with the transverse support 62.

Initially, the abutment roller 66 is moved into engagement with the measuring basis and thereupon the wear value which is measured on the scale 52 is set on the scale 72 and the abutment 65 is tilted sideways about the pivot point 80.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of applications differing from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in an apparatus for reworking of worn wheel rims of wheels on rail vehicles, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. An apparatus for reworking worn wheel rims of wheels on a rail vehicle, comprising support means for supporting a rail vehicle, including a support surface provided with a pit having opposite sides and rails on said support surface extending along said opposite sides; adjustable means in said pit proximal to said support surface; turning means on said adjustable means for turning the wheel flanges of a rail vehicle above said pit to cylindrical configuration; first measuring means on said adjustable means for measuring the diameter of the wheel flanges afier turning of the latter with said turning means; and second measuring means on said adjustable means for measuring the wheel rims and for determining the desired new circumferential configuration thereof as a function of the distance between said wheel rims and the axle and in dependence upon the diameter of said turned wheel flanges.

2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, said adjustable means comprising two adjustable sliders mounted for shifting movement parallel to said axle, shifting means for shifting said sliders towards one another, and abutment means for abutting against the facing inner sides of the respective wheels on said axle.

3. An apparatus as defined in claim 1; further comprising holder means, guide means in said holder means, slide means shiftable in said guide means and comprising contact rollers for contacting the respective wheels, feeler means on said slide means and movable through a predetermined distance between two end positions, biassing means biassing said feeler means to one of said end positions, and scale means on said slide means and cooperating with said feeler means for indicating deflection of the latter from said one towards the other of said end positions.

4. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 said adjustable means being adjustable transversely of said opposite sides and comprising a first and a second transverse slider; further comprising abutment means on said first slider; scale means on said first slider; and a diameter scale on the second of said sliders.

5. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, said wheel rims of said vehicle normally being in contact with the respective rails; and further comprising lifting means for lifting said vehicle to the extent requisite for moving said wheel rims out of contact with said respective rails.

6. An apparatus as defined in claim 5, said lifting means comprising fluid-operated cylinder and piston units.

7. An apparatus as defined in claim 5, and further comprising friction roller means operative for engaging said wheel rims and for rotating the same when said wheel rims are out of contact with said rails.

8. An apparatus as defined in claim I, said measuring means being spaced from said turning means longitudinally of said rails.

9. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said turning means comprises cutters for removing material from said wheel flanges. 

1. An apparatus for reworking worn wheel rims of wheels on a rail vehicle, comprising support means for supporting a rail vehicle, including a support surface provided with a pit having opposite sides and rails on said support surface extending along said opposite sides; adjustable means in said pit proximal to said support surface; turning means on said adjustable means for turning the wheel flanges of a rail vehicle above said pit to cylindrical configuration; first measuring means on said adjustable means for measuring the diameter of the wheel flanges after turning of the latter with said turning means; and second measuring means on said adjustable means for measuring the wheel rims and for determining the desired new circumferential configuration thereof as a function of the distance between said wheel rims and the axle and in dependence upon the diameter of said turned wheel flanges.
 2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, said adjustable means comprising two adjustable sliders mounted for shifting movement parallel to said axle, shifting means for shifting said sliders towards one another, and abutment means for abutting against the facing inner sides of the respective wheels on said axle.
 3. An apparatus as defined in claim 1; further comprising holder means, guide means in said holder means, slide means shiftable in said guide means and comprising contact rollers for contacting the respective wheels, feeler means on said slide means and movable through a predetermined distance between two end positions, biassing means biassing said feeler means to one of said end positions, and scale means on said slide means and cooperating with said feeler means for indicating deflection of the latter from said one towards the other of said end positions.
 4. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, said adjustable means being adjustable transversely of said opposite sides and comprising a first and a second transverse slider; further comprising abutment means on said first slider; scale means on said first slider; and a diameter scale on the second of said sliders.
 5. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, said wheel rims of said vehicle normally being in contact with the respective rails; and further comprising lifting means for lifting said vehicle to the extent requisite for moving said wheel rims out of contact with said respective rails.
 6. An apparatus as defined in claim 5, said lifting means comprising fluid-operated cylinder and piston units.
 7. An apparatus as defined in claim 5, and further comprising friction roller means operative for engaging said wheel rims and for rotating the same when said wheel rims are out of contact with said rails.
 8. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, said measuring means being spaced from said turning means longitudinally of said rails.
 9. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said turning means comprises cutters for removing material from said wheel flanges. 